210 Otipua Road, West End, Timaru 7910 Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM

Our team

Meet the caring people who support your child each day.

At Ōtipua Grove, children are welcomed by a warm team of kaiako and leaders who work together to help every child feel safe, known, and ready to learn. This page introduces the people your family may meet at the centre.

Leadership and centre support

Friendly faces to help your family feel welcome.

Fiona Gray

Assistant Regional Manager / Centre Manager

Graduate Diploma of Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood)

Fiona has worked in early childhood education for 17 years, including seven years in centre management. She values trusting, reciprocal relationships with tamariki, parents, whānau, and colleagues.

Carla Hunter

Assistant Centre Manager / Matai Team Leader

Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood)

Carla has nearly 17 years of experience across preschool and nursery settings. Her practice is guided by nurturing, respectful relationships and the RIE and Pikler approaches.

Laura Small

Kauri / Rimu Team Leader

Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood)

Laura has worked in early childhood education for almost 10 years and is passionate about safe, child-led environments where tamariki can share ideas and lead their learning.

Teaching and support team

The wider team behind day-to-day learning and care.

Jo Rusbatch

Kauri Kaiako

Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Jo is a fully qualified and registered teacher with more than 20 years of early childhood experience. She values safe, secure environments where children can explore, learn, and be themselves.

Greg McMecking

Kauri Kaiako

Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Greg has taught in early childhood for more than 16 years across Timaru, Christchurch, and North Canterbury, and is passionate about sustainability and outdoor learning.

Ying Wang

Rimu Kaiako

Graduate Diploma of Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood)

Ying completed her Graduate Diploma in Teaching in 2022 and enjoys creating child-led spaces where tamariki feel connected, supported, and excited to explore.